2018 marks the centenary of the end of World War I. Fierce heroism from the troops at the Front was matched by the country’s women who raised children alone, nursed, and worked tirelessly despite the loss of husbands, sons, fathers, brothers and friends.

69 choirs from across Britain and abroad – the Military Wives Choirs - have joined together to acknowledge this poignant occasion through a special commemorative project, coming together with musicians from across the three services to create an album like no other, telling the story of ‘then’ (1918) and ‘now’ (2018).

The first track to be shared from this unique record is ‘The Poppy Red’. An original composition by the award-winning composer Owain Park, and inspired by the 1918 poem ‘We Shall Keep The Faith’, the song sees 1105 voices join with The Band of the Household Cavalry. Conducted by Hilary Davan Wetton, and produced by Sean Hargreaves and John Haywood, the song is a perfect introduction to ‘Remember’ and its themes of commemoration, remembrance, patriotism and military life.

The Military Wives Choirs is a registered charity working in conjunction with SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. They are celebrating the diversity in their network as choirs contain military wives, female serving personnel, veterans, mothers, sisters and daughters, as well as others with a military connection. A total of 1105 singers from 69 choirs, including 93 singers

from overseas choirs, took part in seven recording sessions across the UK. The Choirs’ first album ‘In My Dreams’featured five choirs, the second album ‘Stronger Together’ had 24 choirs and 760 singers, and the third album ‘Home for Christmas’ featured 65 choirs and 1006 singers, a growth that underlines the importance of the solidarity and strength of the network.

A Military Wives Choirs member summed up the project: “The women of 100 years ago are exactly the same as us. Proud, adaptable, capable and supportive. We owe it to our ancestors to commemorate what they did for us to have the freedom we have today.”

Music for the album centres on five original songs by prestigious composers from the worlds of classical, pop and film music. In addition to Owain Park, Joanna Forbes L’Estrange & Alexander L’Estrange, Adam Langston, James Kennedy & Catrin Southall, Adam Langston, Sean Hargreaves, John Haywood and Laura Wright have written original songs inspired by the thoughts, feelings and direct words of choir members.

The album also includes music from ages past and present, referencing upbeat World War I marching songs, iconic regimental and service marches, beautifully contemplative remembrance pieces and contemporary songs reflecting the choirs’ world, all with a fresh take through creative arrangements and collaboration with world-class military musicians, specifically The Band of the Household Cavalry and the Royal Marines Corps of Drums.

‘Remember’ is due for release on 29th June 2018, to coincide with Armed Forces Day the following day (30th June) which offers a chance for the public to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

With over 70 choirs in British military bases across the UK and overseas, the Military Wives Choirs is a charity that brings women in the military community closer together through singing. The unpredictable nature of Forces life means that families of service personnel move around frequently and it can often be tough to put down roots or make new friends, which can leave women feeling isolated. There is lots of research to say that singing in groups helps to alleviate stress and improve mental health, as well as bringing people together. That’s why the Military Wives Choirs are so important. Being part of the Military Wives Choirs makes a positive difference to women’s lives by improving well-being, building friendships and developing skills.

The Military Wives Choirs is an independent registered charity and subsidiary of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. As part of the SSAFA family, they work side by side SSAFA and support their mission to relieve need, suffering and distress amongst the Armed Forces, veterans and their families in order to support their independence and dignity as a charity run by, for and with women in the military community.

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